'My husband has been my rock': Irish mum-of-two on setting up her own business

This time last year, Kiera Dowdall from Delgany, Co. Wicklow was starting out on a new and exciting adventure, and fulfilling a life-long dream at the same time.

Talking to MagicMum, Kiera explained that when her first child, Elliot, was born, she decided to leave her job at Topshop, a place where she had worked for a number of years. 

Two years later, her daughter, Esmeè, arrived.

 

Here's to another fantastic year Plan more adventures, take more risks, do things you never thought possible. That's what's on our list for 2018. These two have have taught me so much in the past year alone, I'm only now getting to grips with being a mommy to 2! Without them and their dad I wudnt have this little business, I owe them the world…….and tomorrow marks 11 yrs with an amazing guy Happy New year guys. #newbeginnings#excitingtimesahead#familyiseverything#mwah#haveagoodone#minimwahs#magicofchildhood

A post shared by minimwahs (@minimwahs) on Dec 31, 2017 at 11:35am PST

However, while she certainly had her hands full looking after her family, Kiera decided to finally tick something off her list: to run a children's shop and work for herself.  

"I've always had the dream to work form myself and run a children's/baby shop," she explained to MagicMum, when we spoke to her about Minimwahs. 

"I worked for Topshop for a number of years, and left it to have my first child, Elliot. I never returned and started Minimwahs last February."

 

A post shared by minimwahs (@minimwahs) on Oct 11, 2017 at 12:32pm PDT

An online shop based in Delgany, Co. Wicklow, Minimwahs is about providing premium baby clothes, accessories and gifts.

Kiera, who wanted to make "gifting easier", hand-selects the best baby products on the market, which she sources from Ireland, the UK, Sweden and Norway.

"I have to love the products myself otherwise I won't buy them in," she explained. 

"I love unique but practical baby items/gifts. Quality is big on my list as well as loving the products. I try to support as much small business as I can."

 

A post shared by minimwahs (@minimwahs) on Aug 21, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

However, while Kiera predominately works alone, the mum admits that she wouldn't be where she is today without the help of her husband.

"My husband has been my rock, without his support, business knowledge, and investment I wouldn't be where I am today," she admits.

"He's my biggest fan."

 

A post shared by minimwahs (@minimwahs) on Mar 8, 2018 at 4:59am PST

Working at home can be difficult with two children and, for Keira, getting the balance is key.

"Getting the balance is the key; I work eves and weekends. I love being a stay-at-home mum so I cherish the time with my kids and work when they go to bed."

And her advice for other parents who are thinking about starting out on their own? 

"Do it, don't be afraid."